India, along with the world, is celebrating International Yoga Day on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on the occasion where he said that yoga has emerged as a ray of hope in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Beyond its immediate impact on physical health, the COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated psychological suffering and mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, as pandemic-related restrictions continue in various forms in many countries. This has underlined the urgent need to address the mental health dimension of the pandemic, in addition to the physical health aspects. The message of Yoga in promoting both the physical and mental well-being of humanity has never been more relevant than today. A growing trend of people around the world embracing Yoga to stay healthy and rejuvenated and to fight social isolation and depression has been witnessed during the pandemic. Here are 10 facts that you should know about Yoga and its principles:
1. Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ is derived from Sanskrit and it means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. Today it is practised in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity. Recognizing its universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations declared 21 June as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131.
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2. Even though there is no consensus on its chronology or specific origin, it is believed that yoga was practised long before the formation of any religion. More suggested origins are the Indus Valley Civilization (3300–1900 BCE) and pre-Vedic Eastern states of India, the Vedic period (1500–500 BCE), and the śramaṇa movement. In the yogic lore, Shiva is seen as the first yogi or Adiyogi, and the first Guru or Adi Guru.
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3. One of the main sources of the age and origin of yoga comes from the number of fossil and seal remains from the Indus Valley Civilization in Western India and Pakistan. Figures with Yogic motives performing Yoga Sadhana suggest the presence of Yoga in ancient India. The presence of Yoga is available in folk traditions of Indus valley civilization, Vedic and Upanishadic heritage, Buddhist and Jain traditions, Darshanas, epics of Mahabharat and Ramayana, theistic traditions of Shaivas, Vaishnavas, and Tantric traditions. However, some of the most prominent evidence of the existence of yoga in ancient India were found in the literature and scriptures from the Vedic and Pre-Vedic period (2700 B.C.). The main sources, from which we get the information about Yoga practices are available in Vedas (4), Upanishads(108), Smritis, teachings of Buddhism, Jainism, Panini, Epics (2), Puranas (18) etc.
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4. Patanjali is often regarded as the father of modern yoga. He is believed to have lived sometime between the 2nd century B.C. to the 4th century A.D. His Yoga Sutras are a compilation of aphoristic Sanskrit sutras on the philosophy and practice of ancient yoga and it's a revered text among those who practice modern yoga.
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5. The period between 500BC and 800AD is considered to be the most fruitful period for the development and popularity of yoga. Commentaries of Vyasa on Yoga Sutras and Bhagavadgita came into existence during this period, thanks to the two great teachers Mahavir and Buddha. In Bhagwadgita, some of the widely prominent and accepted principles of yoga were found. Gyan yoga, Bhakti yoga and Karma Yoga are the three yoga principles that still find space in human lives and are considered to be the highest example of human wisdom.
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6. The period between 800 A.D. - 1700 A.D. has been recognized as the Post Classical period wherein the teachings of great Acharyatrayas-Adi Shankracharya, Ramanujacharya, Madhavacharya-were prominent. The period between 1700AD and 1900AD is considered to be the Modern period in which the great yogacharyas, amana Maharshi, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Paramhansa Yogananda, Vivekananda etc. have contributed to the development of Raja Yoga.
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7. In contemporary times, yoga has become a worldwide phenomenon with people of all colour and culture practising it while considering it their own. The respect for yoga has also been widely acknowledged with scientists deeming it to be beneficial for both physical and mental health. However, certain misconceptions have limited the possibilities that yoga has to offer.
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8. People around the world believe that yoga is restricted to hath yoga and Asanas only (Postures). However, in yoga principles, only three sutras are dedicated to asanas. In fact, hatha yoga is a preparatory process so that the body can sustain higher levels of energy. The process begins with the body, then the breath, the mind, and the inner self.
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9. Yoga is also commonly understood as a therapy or exercise system for health and fitness. While physical and mental health is natural consequences of yoga, the goal of yoga is more far-reaching. Yoga works on the level of one’s body, mind, emotion and energy. This has given rise to four broad classifications: karma yoga, where we utilize the body; bhakti yoga, where we utilize the emotions; gyana yoga, where we utilize the mind and intellect; and kriya yoga, where we utilize the energy. One can only truly submit to Yoga and all its principles by diving deep into the folds of spirituality and moksha.
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10. Nowadays, millions and millions of people across the globe have benefitted from the practice of Yoga which has been preserved and promoted by the great eminent Yoga Masters from ancient time to this date. The practise of Yoga is blossoming and growing more vibrant every day.
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